5. The Fairy Lights of Celtic Tradition
Sometimes related in Celtic mythology—especially in Ireland and Scotland—ball lightning is linked with the magical kingdom of fairies and other supernatural beings. Celtic mythology maintains that while they dance and play in the night, naughty fairies or elves create these brilliant orbs—also known as “fairy lights,” “pixie lights,” or “elf fire. Said to be doors to the fairy world, the lights show up in meadows, forests, and at the boundaries of fairy rings—round patterns of mushrooms. Some tales describe these orbs as lanterns carried by tiny fairy creatures going about their nocturnal activity. Other stories, kinds of fairy magic, see the lights as markers of fairy land or luring devices for foolish mortals into the fairy realm. Following these mesmerizing lights might have disastrous effects, based on Celtic mythology—years or perhaps centuries of imprisonment in the fairy realm. Still, not all contacts with fairy lights are considered dangerous. According to certain legends, those pure of heart who come upon these magical orbs could be granted desires or special presents from the fairy people. In Celtic tradition, the concept of fairy lights usually blends with other folklore themes, such as the Will-o’-the-Wisp, to produce a rich tapestry of supernatural notions around the ball lightning occurrence. This surviving legacy shows the great connection to nature and belief in a world where magic and reality combine among the Celtic people. Ball lightning acts as a tangible embodiment of the mysterious energies inhabiting their mythical territory.
